July 28, 2017

Did your dentist in Plantation recently recommend that you have a deep cleaning? If so, you might be a bit confused as to why it is needed and what the difference is when compared to your semi-annual cleaning. This procedure is routinely used to help treat periodontal disease, which is an infection that occurs in the gum tissue. It is more complex than the standard one performed at your routine visit as it cleans above and below the gum line. At Comfort Dentists, we use the procedure to rehabilitate your gum health.

What is a Deep Cleaning?

More than half of adults have gum disease, an infection that develops from bacteria that is found in plaque and tartar accumulations. As it progresses in severity, it causes pockets to form in the tissue, trapping tartar and bacteria. To remove the buildup and to treat the infection, the pockets must be cleaned out using scaling and root planing, or more commonly known as a deep cleaning.

What Can I Expect During the Procedure?

After your initial consultation, a comprehensive treatment plan is created for the cleaning procedure. It may include one or more appointments depending on the severity of the infection. To minimize any discomfort, a local anesthetic is often used to numb the area. Then, special dental tools are used to clean the pockets by removing plaque and tartar buildup.

Once the teeth are cleaned, the root planing aspect of the procedure is performed. The roots of the teeth are shaped and smoothed. This allows the gum tissue to reattach to help seal out future bacterial infections. In a couple of weeks, you may need a follow up appointment to ensure the gums are healing correctly and it does not need to be reperformed.

Is a Deep Cleaning All I Need?

After receiving a deep cleaning from your Plantation dentist, you will need to be proactive about your dental hygiene to prevent the infection from reoccurring. It is best to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each session using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. To remove plaque and tarter that has been left behind when brushing, you need to floss your teeth each day to clean these areas. In some cases, a special mouthrinse may be recommended to help decrease your oral bacteria.

In addition to your home oral hygiene, you need to visit the dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. However, depending on the severity of the infection and your risk factors, you may be advised to visit more often for periodontal disease maintenance.

Where Can I Get a Deep Cleaning?

If you need a deep cleaning, Comfort Dentists can help. Our team offers the proactive approach you need to treat the infection to restore your gum health. We use the most advanced dental methods to minimize your discomfort while aiding the effectiveness of the procedure. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation to regain a healthy smile.